Veteran journalist David Chan, who passed away mid-month at 81, was mourned by the media industry, which praised him as a low-key, warm-hearted, and highly respected figure in the journalism community.
Chan entered the media industry in the 1960s, holding various roles including reporter and editor.
Throughout his career, he worked for multiple media outlets, including newspapers and radio stations, contributing significantly to the field.
In his editorial, Paulo Rego, founder and director of the bilingual weekly newspaper Plataforma Macau and the multilingual news hub Plataforma Media, highlighted Chan’s profound command of Chinese, his trust across generations, and his dedication to mentoring young journalists, making Chan a vital pillar of the newspaper’s bilingual Chinese-Portuguese initiative.
He stressed Chan’s ability to bridge Chinese and Portuguese news perspectives, as well as his wisdom and experience in navigating challenges while laying the groundwork for long-term development.
The bilingual weekly newspaper and multilingual news hub mourned Chan’s passing with “endless remembrance,” expressing gratitude for his contributions to the Macau Media Workers’ Welfare Association and his commitment to daily professional practice rooted in “mutual respect.”
Chan held successive leadership positions in multiple organizations representing Macau journalists. A fellow member of the Macau Media Workers Welfare Association shared with the Times that Chan was humble and approachable, always eager to engage with younger colleagues to understand diverse viewpoints and share his own experiences.
In a heartfelt tribute, Gonçalo César de Sá, founder and editor-at-large of Macao News, expressed his condolences following Chan’s passing.
“I worked with David for many years. I always admired his calmness, professionalism, and kindness,” said César de Sá in a message to the Times. He emphasized Chan’s unique ability to understand the intricacies of Macau, a skill that enabled him to produce high-quality articles consistently.
“We have lost an excellent journalist who left his mark on the territory with his articles. He will certainly remain an important reference in the history of Macau’s journalism,” César de Sá added, reflecting on Chan’s lasting impact.
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